What's up, Merrick Mountain?! Former dump turned into a beautiful light hike by the water. Take in the scenery, the trails and the goat poo, while enjoying a little bit of suburban park reclamation! If you go up and down the long way, you can get a nice 3.5 miles in on this baby with some hills. Throw in a weighted vest, and you're getting yourself a solid light workout. There are already so many reviews, so just some notes: 1) Make your way around the current dump (also a Nassau County gem, seriously) and drive slowly. 2) Parking is tricky at certain times of the day and on weekends. Make sure to come before 9:30 on beautiful days, or else you'll be parking far, far away. More steps, If you really want them I guess. 3) Wear your sunscreen! Skin cancer is no joke, and it's pretty bright up top with not a lot of coverage if you walk around to the lake. 4) Beware...No lights in the bathroom and really not the best place to use the loo. There however is a shopping center close by... 5) Look out of all sorts of critters from birds to bugs.. including ticks. read more

Norman J Levy Park & Preserve - Heron by the golf course - Parks Near Me - Merrick, New York

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Get there before noon on a warm Weekend but it was a great walk filled with beautiful nature close to home right in merrick. We even saw a goat herd part of the parks natural clean up staff, read more

Parking, Beautiful views and manageable trails. Water views, fishing allowed with a permit, golfing nearby and people just out for a stroll read more

We were visiting family in the area and she brought us to this park. We enjoyed our visit. This is a beautiful park with goats, a walking trail, and a dock with beautiful view. Not a lot of people on the trail and they had porta potty at the parks entrance & at the docks. I would come back if im in the area. read more

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This park was built on a landfill so the entrance is by the local recycling and waste disposal facility. The walking paths were well maintained and it's a pleasant walk around the loop. There is the ubiquitous odor of well, a landfill, but hey what would you expect. Nice views of Jones Beach bayside from the dock. Very enjoyable! read more

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Quiet park south of Merrick Road, with trails leading out to the dock. Take the middle trail to go to the top for 360 degree views and a pond with turtles. The walk through the trail was very quiet, and had very low traffic for a partly cloudy late Saturday afternoon. About 2miles round trip. A hidden gem for the locals. read more

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Awesome small park with trails ,beautiful pier with rest areas, bathrooms were located in a few areas, can't tell you if they were clean or not, I didn't use the facilities, you have the main trail with spots where you can make your walk more difficult. Beautiful views. It also has what appears to be a petting zoo, although I believe I am exaggerating. All I saw was some goats walking around at one end of the preserve . Oh yeah, they have workout stations through out your walk. read more

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I had been dying to come here forever and we finally came one day. I probably should have picked a cooler day but I didn't know it'd get hot. We ended up luckily finding a short cut back to the car cause our boy was over it. I definitely want to come back here, once it's cooler I imagine it'll be amazing. I mean it was amazing when we came just hot lol. read more

Visit Date: October, 23, 2022 I've been to Norman J. Levy a few times before but this morning before work I was able to thankfully do the full 2.2 mile hike that the all trails app has. It was so nice to see everything because on prior visits I didn't get a chance to make it up to the windmill or the two small ponds by the windmill. Once you make the uphill climb you can see the Manhattan Skyline and a few different areas. Today was pretty cool because the goats were out when I first came in and I got to actually be near a few of them. This is an awesome nature trail in the Nassau County area! read more

I had an off day recently where the weather was great and decided to check this place out. I'm not sure how well known this place is as I've been in Nassau County my entire life and never heard anyone mention it. The place is pretty hidden away and you'd never notice it if you were casually driving along Merrick Rd. Turns out it's a real nice place and hidden gem! Some points of note from when I went: 1) The trail seems nicely maintained. It's pretty flat and has plenty of space. Saw a bunch of people jogging and it definitely seems like a good place to do so. 2) There is a nice fishing pier. There weren't many people when I went on a weekday and not sure how crowded it gets on the weekend. But nice views and very relaxing. 3) You should take the stairs when you see it on the trail as it leads to the higher level where beautiful views await. You can see the NYC skyline in the distance if it's a clear day, which is cool. 4) You'll probably see some animals. I was surprised to see some small, dog-like creatures popping in and out of the woods. I read a sign on the trail and I think they were red foxes. Also, there is a barn-like structure at the start of the trail that houses a bunch of goats. It was entertaining to observe them. All in all, this place was a nice way to spend a couple of hours outdoors. And the best part is that it's free. read more

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Love this little outdoor hidden gem. Such a peaceful relaxing walk. I was happily surprised to see they let the goats out to wander and they are super friendly. Beautiful views when you get to the top, easy walk. read more

This park is a pure pleasure to be in. There are so many paths you can take. Today I took the 1.5mile path around the park with a mean incline at the end. Next time I'm going to start on that direction and go down instead of up when I'm trying to finish strong. Anyway that was one of life's lessons I learned today. This park is for all ages. I was so inspired by those more senior than myself doing pull ups. Enjoy the pics they may be blurry because I didn't stop to take some. read more

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Very enjoyable park to take a walk or go on a run. Has a beautiful pier as well. Some hills to make it a little more challenging than a straight path. Lots of parking available. Good place to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors. Enjoy year round. read more

Such a cute local place to walk! I've been here a few times but went this weekend when it was 50+ degrees. When it's warm out, there are definitely more people walking/parking lot is full. Once you walk in, you see some cute animals. There's also a map of the different paths you can take but I usually just take my usual one. There's a pier that darts into the water which is fun to walk on and take pics from. Additionally, there are some workout pit stops that you can partake in. It's a fun little surprise. If you want a fun, quick hike, go here on long island! read more

When my mom told me about Norman Levy Park I scoffed, snarkily saying "how can a nice park be built on the remains of a garbage landfill?" Well mom was right (as always), it's truly a beautiful spot. Walking the paths at Norman J Levy Park always makes me feel calmer and happier, without the aid of pharmaceuticals. Amazing! Admission is free of charge with plenty of parking near the base of the walking trails. Here one can escape life's turmoils and commune with nature, gaze into the wise eyes of dwarf Nigerian goats while enjoying great views of the bay and the distant NYC skyline. Walking paths range from gentle to more rigorous, accommodating the diverse population that uses it. Thanks TO Hempstead for creating such a lovely haven for us weary townfolk! read more

Norman J Levy Park & Preserve - Goats Taking the Sun - Parks Near Me - Merrick, New York

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Love this spot it's beautiful and easy access to main roads , grab a bite and ground with nature read more

Norman J Levy Park & Preserve - Parks Near Me - Merrick, New York

I love this park/preserve. I love that they let the goats out to graze. Such a nice walk with different levels and nice views. Always tons of people so you feel very safe. read more

Nothing special , I think this is a great place to get some cardio with all those up and down, the goats are ok, nothing to brag about. There is an artificial pond on top with ducks and a pier. read more

Norman J Levy Park & Preserve - Parks Near Me - Merrick, New York

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I discovered this beautiful preserve this past weekend while celebrating my birthday and my nature loving spirit. My coworker recommended it to me as a relaxing oasis to indulge in self care. This is a beautiful preserve that was a complete shock for me to discover on the south shore. It's so close to home and truly unique ! A great place to take a run, enjoy a romantic date and just find peace of mind. When I first arrived I was extremely shocked to find it located next to a shopping center and a landfill !!!! It's extremely confusing when driving here. If you use GPS it almost takes you to Jones Beach and then turns you around to get onto Merrick Rd. I would advise everyone to just take the local streets and exit in Merrick. Once you're at the entrance follow all signs leading up to the preserve entrance. Enter pure nature lover bliss ! Parking was ample when I got there at noon on a Sunday. I found the levels to this preserve a physical challenge. All the steps and all the hills. I definitely got a great work out in. There was a trainer running fitness groups and several joggers. The wild life here is sooo awesome. The lily pond and area with the windmill was my favorite. I really loved the area with the billy goats as well. I took some awesome photos. This is such a cute place to pack a picnic, hike and spend a romantic afternoon. I can't wait to share this experience with my loved ones. read more

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This park is great. They let goats out sometimes during the day to roam free and you can pet them. They have a few walking trails and a nice pier to walk along with a view of the water. I enjoy coming here to get some outside nature time. My only complaint is that there is a construction company right in there that is loud and somewhat takes away from the full on nature experience. read more

Norman J Levy Park & Preserve - Parks Near Me - Merrick, New York

Nice relaxing place to go to. The trail is well manicured with crushed seashells. No dogs allowed but that's ok. Lots of nice views from the hill. There is a nice arrow compass on the ground with signs that tell you where to look to see the Manhattan skyline etc. I've seen a few birds that I've never seen on my end of the island. With the uphill walk I got a nice workout. read more

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Overall , it's a nice park. I wanted more of a hiking experience but this is more like a trail , my kids enjoyed it. The goats , the pier and the view , great family day. read more

Norman J Levy Park & Preserve - Views from the Pier. - Parks Near Me - Merrick, New York

What a pleasant surprise ! Who knew you hang a right at the Town of Hempstead land fill and there's this little oasis. A 2.5 mile loop of a walking/exercise, trail paved with seashells, canopied with trees, and at the mid point, a pier that that juts out into a wide Great South Bay canal that separates Merrick/Freeport. Plenty of parking, not too crowded on a Saturday, good views of the bay, golf course and some nature. I didn't make the climb to the rise in the center, supposedly, on a clear day, you can grab a glimpse of the Manhattan skyline. Glad someone was bright enough to reserve a few acres for a nice stroll. read more

This preserve is a hidden gem in Merrick! There are different length of trails to meet people's capabilities. The trails are mostly rocky roads, but stroller friendly and very wide. Each section of the trail is clearly marked, so no need to worry about getting lost on the trail. Ticks should not be a concern as long as you stay on the path. My kids like the goats a lot! Beautiful view along the way, especially the fishing deck area. The only problem is that there is no bathroom access once you leave the entrance. read more

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This park is really nice. For those with health concerns, it is a relatively easy hike. You can meet the Nigerian Dwarf Goats at the end of the trail after making it to the top of "Merrick Mountain" where you can see the sound, the NYC skyline, and a very nice view of of the surrounding area. There is a large dock for when you need a bit of a sea breeze. The top of the hill features a big pond where a large bird often likes to pose. Throughout the park there is exercise equipment too. Norman J Levy Park and Preserve is great for families, solo hikers, people looking to escape monotony for a little while, and wildlife lovers. read more

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too many bees. way too many bees. so many bees i ran away like are you serious?? why are there bees. i screamed for my life and not one person cared to get rid of the bees. read more

Gorgeous scenery. The walk around the park was shorter than I thought, but that is because I'm used to walking long distances. The area is clean and excellent for exercising. I saw a baby rabbit! I wish I had seen the red foxes but I saw the goats and I'm satisfied :). read more

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I went here twice. Once in the summer, another in the fall. Both times I was looking to see the Manhattan skyline from Nassau County. The park is very well maintained and kept. The greenery and structures were well maintained as-well. The walk to the top is around 5-10 minutes depending on your pace. Once I got to the top, I was able to see the Manhattan Skyline PERFECTLY! I would definitely recommend this park to anyone who loves the Manhattan Skyline or just wants to go for a walk in a well kept park. read more

Still one of my favorite finds locally on Long Island :) my cousin called if merrick mountain and showed me pictures of it so I had to go a few years ago. Now it's a must go to every season I can! I love seeing the chickens and dwarf goats along with other natural wildlife at this preserve. Sometimes there's people painting & fishing off the dock, great clean hills for running or a nice walk. Very very scenic! With surprisingly not many bugs! Did four miles today and did not even feel it because I was distracted by all the beauty. read more

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A wonderful, uncluttered space built upon a former garbage dumb down on Merrick Road, right off the Meadowbrook Parkway. Wide, slightly ascending paths that eventually lead up to a breathtaking summit of the south shore and skyline of NYC.. there is a free telescope up there to glance through and test your knowledge of geography. Easy to spot NCMC and North Shore Towers. You may see some nice wildlife along the way and up top are koi ponds, turtles and I think I remember goats. In the spring and summer and early fall, Kayaks are available for rental/tour or you may launch your own for free. The small river empties out into the bay down on the way to Jones Beach and gives a beautiful view of the lighthouse. Free parking and public bathrooms, park rangers eager to help with questions. We even saw a huge golf cart ushering folks down. Bundle up , get your blood going and check it out. read more

Hidden next to the sanitation area is this little gem. The Norman J Levy Park and Preserve is great to take families or come with friends. The entrance you can see a few animals that live here. To the left are pigeons and chickens and straight ahead are the pen of goats. There are many locals who come here to exercise. The paths are lined with seashell gravel for good traction. The park has a short walk to the top where you can get a view over Merrick and Freeport. There is also a cute windmill and binoculars located there with crossing bridges over a small lake with orange fish. On a very clear and sunny day, you can see the NYC skyline in the distance. You can see small blue birds that fly around as well. During the warmer months you can also see wildflowers growing. read more

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The Town of Hempstead actually did something right and built a beautiful park/preserve over a landfill. Other than being a "mountain" on the south shore of LI and methane release pipes on top of the hill you would not know that this was a landfill. Native trees and wildflowers have taken over the landfill and attracts a wide variety of birds. There are also rabbits, mice and tics. The path throughout the preserve is made from crush shells and is wide enough for several people to walk side by side without stepping into the weeds. The path is mostly uphill until you get to the top of the hill but there are many benches along the path if you need to take a brake. They also have park rangers that you could call in an emergency and there are golf cart "buses that will pick you up if necessary or bring you to the top of the hill. At the halfway point there is a long pier extending into the bay. Fishing is allowed. There is also a bathroom by the pier and another by the exit/entrance next to the goats. Oh yeah they also have cute pigmy goats to help cut the grass. They also supposed to have acquired hens to help with the tics. Lots of great views throughout the preserve. The best is on the top where you could actually view the Manhattan skyline on a clear day. No bikes are allowed, only walkers and joggers. Plenty of parking but it does get crowded on a nice weekend. Try weekdays to avoid the crowds. read more

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I came here today on a recommendation. Came across this sign at the entrance to the path. Why exactly would I wear a mask while walking outside? Even the CDC "guidelines" recommend only wearing a mask when you cannot socially distance. I'm not sure how much more socially distant you can be than OUTSIDE! read more

Norman J Levy Park & Preserve - Parks Near Me - Merrick, New York

It was the first time visiting this park once the city opened back up after the pandemic. Nice scenery with a small trail to walk or jog. Big enough space which allow the visitors to practice social Distancing . Clean park. They also have a lil sections with goats. read more

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My friends and I have been walking here for fun, exercise, relaxation and just plain peace and quiet for many years. Considering the environmental benefit this place has offered, this is a worldly miracle underfoot. They have some animals, Walking trails, and some exercise benches to do some strenuous things, for those who are in great shape. read more

Unique place to get in some nature. Park is built on a former landfill and next to the water. Offers great views and easy hikes. Pros: - no entry fee - bathrooms and ranger stations were clean - goats, chickens, and ducks for the little ones to see - fishing pier and hill top offers a unique experience and views - great location to get a run in as trails are wide Cons: - be prepared to be coated in white dust as the trails and parking lot are not paved - next to a waste station, we saw paths were covered with trash (likely carried by the wind from next door) - bathrooms are pits. No running water and soap - trail maps were outdated and confusing for first timers read more

Doesn't look like much and there isn't much but it's a nice little walk with a few sights to see including some goats and birds with plenty of bird houses that are placed throughout the park. They offer restrooms and free parking. I was a pointed to see that a great deal of folks were NOT following the rules put in place to help stop the spread of Covid-19. People were jogging and coughing and sweating and not wearing a mask. When I did see a mask it was on the ground. I totally understand that people have different opinions when it comes to this virus but if you visit a location that asks you to wear a mask and social distance you should be considerate and follow those rules or just stay in and run and walk in place in the convenience of your own home. read more

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I love this place. It's truly unexpected from the outside, but once you go in there are goats, views, and hiking trails. I've been here in the summer, but it's just as nice in the fall. You can see the NYC skyline and jones beach! Definitely worth a trip. read more

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Beautiful little hidden gem. Came here with my 12 year old and he loved it. It's easy to drive right past because the entrance is missable but once you go in and park. It can be breath taking. They have water views, hikes and goats.. it's a nice little walk to get with a new love or an old one.. it does have a little stench as you pass the golf course towards the end the trail but it goes by fast if you sprint or walk fast... I would definitely go back on a nice fall day... long islands hidden gem read more

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Beautiful park!!! Nice place to walk any time of the day. A lot of parking space. The place is never over crowded. Friendly staff and people who goes there! read more

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